Myanmar’s anti-regime groups have dismissed the junta’s offer of peace talks as dishonest and evidence that the regime is losing.
The junta on Thursday issued an “offer to resolve political issues in political means” to armed groups, including People’s Defense Forces loyal to the civilian National Unity Government (NUG).
It asked the groups to stop “terrorism” and prepare for a promised general election next year.
Hours later junta airstrikes targeted the northern Shan State capital, Lashio, dropping large bombs on Lashio’s market and residential areas, killing two civilians.
The city was liberated in August by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, a member of the Brotherhood Alliance, after a month of fighting. It has since formed the Lashio Reconstruction Group to rehabilitate the war-torn city.
Lway Yay Oo, spokeswoman for the Ta’ang National Liberation Army of the Brotherhood Alliance, said: “The idea that armed groups should abandon their struggle and participate in elections, as proposed by the junta, is completely unrealistic. At a time when they are losing territory and facing military defeat, this move is aimed at boosting the morale of their troops and shifting to a political strategy. It’s nothing more than a political maneuver.
“The junta should disarm, not the armed groups. The military relies on weapons to bomb and oppress the people each day. That’s why this invitation and announcement are unacceptable for us or other armed groups,” she added.
The Karenni State Interim Executive Council — the state’s anti-regime governing body — on Saturday rejected the junta’s proposal as a self-serving ploy. It said it would not engage with the unlawful junta, continue to resist it and work to establish a federal system.
The council called for unity reflecting the will of the people and continued opposition to the junta.
The NUG defense ministry spokesman U Maung Maung Swe said the junta’s offer was a desperate attempt to escape defeat that would be ignored.
Salai Htet Ni, the Chin National Army’s spokesman, said the junta was attempting to manipulate the people and international community to secure its survival.
He said all political processes were abolished by the 2021 coup and no junta election could be held in Chin State, where 80 percent of the population is in liberated territory and the regime only controls a few towns.
“I believe it’s simply a ploy to deceive the international community,” he said.
Padoh Saw Taw Nee, a spokesman for the Karen National Union, told AFP that talks would only be possible if the military agreed to “common political objectives” to stay out of politics, agree to a “federal democratic constitution” and be held accountable for war crimes. “No impunity,” he added.
“If they don’t agree with it, then nothing will happen,” he said. “We will keep putting pressure on them politically, militarily.”
